If you’re like many other homeowners, you have a treasured collection of decorations you display during the holiday season, then carefully pack up and store for the remainder of the year. Did you know that the location you choose for decoration storage matters? It can impact the safe operation of your HVAC system, and your family’s well-being.
Dangers of Storing Decorations Near Your HVAC Equipment
As a homeowner, you likely already know that storing items that might explode or ignite near HVAC components like a furnace is extremely dangerous. You may not realize that your holiday decor can also contain materials that pose a safety hazard if they’re stored close to a combustion device like your gas-fired furnace or water heater. If your holiday decorations include any of the following items, choose a storage spot far away from combustion equipment, because they can add fuel to a fire, or produce noxious fumes if they melt:
- Cardboard boxes/egg cartons containing holiday ornaments
- Textiles such as holiday stockings, tablecloths, runners and tree skirts
- The needles on garlands, wreaths and artificial trees
- Plastic totes and storage bins
- Paraffin holiday candles
How to Safeguard Your Home and Holiday Decorations
Keep in mind that a furnace is a fuel-burning device, and it’s vital to ensure its safe operation by having it serviced each year by a trained and experienced HVAC technician. To further protect your family and treasured holiday decor during the heating season, you need to keep your furnace room or closet free of combustible items this would include: paint, paint thinners, fuels such as gasoline and aerosol spray cans. You can lower the risk of accidental fires and exposure to hazardous fumes by making sure these other items are not kept anywhere near your furnace:
- Household cleaners
- Laundry detergent
- Products containing ammonia or bleach
- Used and clean rags
- Cat litter and litter boxes
- Cardboard and paper goods
- Clothing and laundry
- Wood items, sawdust or shavings
For HVAC maintenance, repairs and replacement in Eastern North Carolina contact the professionals at Jackson & Sons today.